Zitatform

Adam, Antonis & Thomas Moutos (2023): Do Public Sector Employment Reductions Promote Informality? (CESifo working paper 10614), München, 30 S.

Abstract

"Using information from all IMF conditionality programs from 1990 to 2018, we implement a dynamic Augmented Inverse Probability Weighting Regression Adjustment approach to examine the effects of programs, including public sector dismissals, on the size of the shadow economy. The estimated effect five years after the policy intervention indicates an increase in the share of the shadow economy to GDP by about 1.3 percentage points. More importantly, this change involves a sizable reallocation of private economic activity from its formal to its informal part, i.e., the size of the formal private sector relative to the size of the informal sector decreases by seven percentage points. We interpret these findings through the lens of a two-sector model in which there is interdependence between worker incomes and the allocation of product demand across the formal and informal sectors." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Adriaenssens, Stef, Tobias Theys, Dieter Verhaest & Nick Deschacht (2023): Subsidized Household Services and Informal Employment: The Belgian Service Voucher Policy. In: Journal of Social Policy, Jg. 52, H. 1, S. 85-106. DOI:10.1017/S0047279421000428

Abstract

"Labour markets for personal and household services (PHS) are rife with informal employment. Some policies aim to combat informality in PHS with subsidized service vouchers, but their effects are poorly documented. This contribution evaluates the Belgian service vouchers (1) documenting their formalization effectiveness, and (2) accounting for the persistence of informal employment. To this end, we exploit several types of data and methods. A first analysis, based on Eurobarometer data, brings in evidence that informal PHS purchased were approximately halved under the policy introduced in 2001. Second, a discrete choice experiment shows that households prefer formal employment, including those that currently employ informally. Third, a survey in the Brussels metropolitan area shows that the persistence of informal employment lies in the relationship of informal employers with their domestic, from whom they are not willing to part. They nevertheless intend to switch to formal employment in the case of turnover. One thus expects partially delayed effects of formalization policies in general, and of the service voucher system in particular. Overall, these results are in line with Portes’ claim that informality is facilitated by strong social relationships, and by differences in price and transaction costs." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Berdiev, Aziz N. (2023): Finding refuge underground: effects of refugee inflows on the shadow economy. In: Applied Economics Letters, Jg. 30, H. 1, S. 84-91. DOI:10.1080/13504851.2021.1976379

Abstract

"This paper analyzes the effect of refugee inflows on the shadow, or underground, economy of host nations using panel data for 120 countries over the 1991–2017 period. The results show that refugee inflows increase the size of the shadow economy, particularly in low- and middle-income countries." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Enste, Dominik & Christina Anger (2023): Haushaltshilfen: Nur selten angemeldet. (IW-Kurzberichte / Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft Köln 2023,67), Köln, 3 S.

Abstract

"Jeder zehnte Haushalt in Deutschland nutzt die Unterstützung durch eine Haushaltshilfe im Alltag. Besonders gefragt ist die Hilfe im Alltag in Haushalten mit einer pflegebedürftigen Person: Mehr als jeder Dritte Haushalt nutzt diese Hilfe. Doch immer noch ist diese vielfach nicht angemeldet." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Mațcu, Mara, Adriana Zaiț, Rodica Ianole-Călin & Ioana Alexandra Horodnic (2023): Undeclared activities on digital labour platforms: an exploratory study. In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Jg. 43, H. 7/8, S. 740-755. DOI:10.1108/IJSSP-07-2022-0186

Abstract

"Purpose: This paper aims to explore the prevalence of undeclared activities conducted on digital labour platforms, and then to discuss what policies are likely to be more effective in order to prevent the growth of the informal activities on these platforms. Design/methodology/approach: To depict the profile of the digital worker conducting undeclared activities, the sectors where undeclared activities are more prevalent and the effectiveness of deterrent policies, data are reported from 2019 Special Eurobarometer survey covering the European Union member states and the UK. Findings: The finding is that 13% of undeclared activities are conducted on digital labour platforms. This practice is more common amongst men, those married or remarried, those living in small/middle towns, in sectors such as repairs/renovations, selling goods/services, assistance for dependant persons, gardening and help moving house. The higher the perceived sanction, the lower the likelihood of undertaking undeclared activities on digital labour platforms. Intriguing, a higher risk of detection is associated with a higher likelihood to use digital labour platform for undeclared activities.Practical implications The attitudes toward risk can be interpreted closer to the gaming context, and not to the working environment, looking at platform workers as being involved in a state versus individual game. Policy makers should consider improving the correspondence of laws and regulations between countries and offering operational assistance for suppliers and consumers. Originality/value: This is the first paper to explore the prevalence of undeclared activities conducted on digital labour platforms and to outline the policy measures required to reduce this practice." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Emerald Group) ((en))

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Mendonça, Pedro, Nadia K. Kougiannou & Ian Clark (2023): Informalization in gig food delivery in the UK: The case of hyper-flexible and precarious work. In: Industrial Relations, Jg. 62, H. 1, S. 60-77. DOI:10.1111/irel.12320

Abstract

"This article examines the process of informalization of work in platform food delivery work in the UK. Drawing on qualitative data, this article provides new analytical insight into what drives individual formal couriers to both supply and demand informalized sub-contracted gig work to undocumented migrants, and how a platform company enables informal work practices through permissive HR practices and technology. In doing so, this article shows how platform companies are enablers of informal labor markets and contribute to the expansion of hyper-precarious working conditions." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Nisic, Natascha, Friederike Molitor & Miriam Trübner (2023): Rethinking paid domestic services in modern societies – Experimental evidence on the effect of quality and professionalisation on service demand. In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Jg. 43, H. 13/14, S. 106-128. DOI:10.1108/IJSSP-11-2022-0290

Abstract

"Purpose: Although essential to social welfare, unpaid domestic and care work is an increasingly scarce resource in modern societies. Despite the growing need, many households refrain from outsourcing their domestic chores to the market. Simultaneously, the household service sector is mostly characterized by low-qualification, informal jobs lacking quality and professional standards. Drawing on transaction cost theory, the present study aims to examine how trust problems deriving from the quality and professionalisation of domestic services can be overcome by also exploring the role of state subsidies in this context. Design/methodology/approach A factorial survey experiment in Germany (N  = 4024) causally explores the effect of state-subsidised service vouchers, quality signals and professionalisation on preferences and willingness-to-pay for domestic services. The data were analyzed using multilevel modelling techniques. Findings Hypotheses are mostly confirmed: strong quality signals help overcome trust problems, thus facilitating the demand for household services. Further, service vouchers can generate better pay for domestic workers while simultaneously reducing the costs for households. Research limitations/implications The relevance of professionalisation and quality of service as important determinants of domestic service demand is revealed. However, the experimental survey design involves hypothetical scenarios. Originality/value The analysis offers insights into how to stimulate demand for household services and increase formal employment in a sector currently largely characterized by informal arrangements. It further shows how social policies can help secure quality and foster professionalization by shifting paid domestic work from the informal to the formal economy." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Emerald Group) ((en))

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Refai, Deema & Gerard McElwee (2023): Refugee Subentrepreneurship: The Emergence of a Liquid Cage. In: Work, Employment and Society, Jg. 37, H. 4, S. 1032-1051. DOI:10.1177/09500170211062817

Abstract

"This article conceptualises refugees’ endeavours for upward social mobility through subentrepreneurship. Subentrepreneurship refers to various self-employment forms that are undeclared to relevant authorities to escape superimposed historical, temporal, spatial, institutional and social contexts, which constrain actors’ entrepreneurial activities. Using a mixed theoretical underpinning combining Mixed Embeddedness (ME) with Weber’s Iron Cage of Rationality (ICR), we signify liquidity of refugee subentrepreneurship, which is neither linear nor long-term rational. A liquid cage is envisaged to allow more freedom as refugees become embedded within intersections between transformative journeys and Constrained Institutional Contexts (CICs). This new theorising signifies a pronounced emphasis on agency whereby refugees cleverly contemplate implicit skills (i.e. unrecognised or downgraded skills), opportunities and processes to escape CICs. The article adds clarity as to how contexts become part of the production of entrepreneurial actions through two-way interactions that promote liquidity, enabling a strong foundation for future research exploring subentrepreneurship." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Søndergaard, J. (2023): Undeclared Danish Labor: Using the labor input method with linked individual-level tax data to estimate undeclared work in Denmark. In: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Jg. 214, S. 708-730. DOI:10.1016/j.jebo.2023.08.017

Abstract

"This paper shows the advantages of an individual-level approach when estimating undeclared work using the labor input method. It shows the shortcomings of an aggregated approach, namely assuming that all workers with missing administrative data are working fully undeclared, being unable to adequately account for overtime, extreme values and not being able to detect and correct for errors in the administrative data. The paper illustrates how these shortcomings can be overcome to a large extent by using an individual-level linked dataset and yield results that are useful both for researchers and for tax authorities. It shows that the method can estimate undeclared work for the self-employed, as well as show seasonal and industry differences in undeclared labor. Denmark is used as a case study, and unlike other papers utilizing individual-level data, this paper provides detailed instruction for how a similar approach can be applied in other countries with Labor Force Survey data. The paper shows how an individual-level approach can yield results that are useful for example for tax administrations’ monitoring of undeclared work across sectors. The study uses Danish Labor Force Survey data linked with individual-level tax data, yielding estimates of undeclared work that are in line with past Danish studies of related aspects of undeclared work, namely that approximately 29% of workers have undeclared hours, 25% of wage earners and 37–39% of non-wage earners, and that the value of these hours is close to 2% of the Danish GDP." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2023 Elsevier) ((en))

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Bundesministerium der Finanzen (2023): Mindestlohnbetrug und Kontrollen zur Einhaltung des Mindestlohns in Hessen. Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Abgeordneten und der Fraktion DIE LINKE (Drucksache 20/5306). (Verhandlungen des Deutschen Bundestages. Drucksachen 20/5721 (20.02.2023)), 38 S.

Abstract

„Vor dem Hintergrund der am 1. Oktober 2022 eingeführten Erhöhung des gesetzlichen Mindestlohns von 10,45 Euro auf 12 Euro je Zeitstunde richtet sich die Kleine Anfrage der Fraktion DIE LINKE auf die Kontrolle der Einhaltung des Mindestlohns. Insbesondere geht es um die Arbeit der zuständigen Finanzkontrolle Schwarzarbeit (FKS) in Hessen. Es erfolgt eine statistische Darstellung der Betriebe und Beschäftigten, differenziert nach Wirtschaftszweigen und für die Jahre 2019 bis 2022, für die die FKS zuständig ist. Weiterhin gibt die Bundesregierung Auskunft über die Anzahl der durchgeführten Arbeitgeberprüfungen, der dabei festgestellten Verstöße gegen das Mindestlohngesetz und eingeleitete Ordnungswidrigkeitsverfahren.“ (IAB)

Abstract

"Das Projekt untersuchte, ob es in Folge der Anhebung des Mindestlohns auf 12 Euro zu Veränderungen im Angebot von und in der Nachfrage nach Schwarzarbeit kam. Hierfür wurden in drei Wellen eine repräsentative Stichprobe von jeweils 1.000 Beschäftigten befragt." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Abstract

"The European Commission broadly defines undeclared work as "any paid activities that are lawful as regards their nature, but not declared to public authorities”. Undeclared work has important economic and social implications, including the loss of social security contributions and taxes, but also higher incidence of work accidents, missed professional development opportunities for workers, unfair competition and market distortions for businesses, among others. The European Union (EU) has set a target of a 78% employment rate of the population aged 20 to 64 by 2030 (European Pillar of Social Rights). Tackling undeclared work can contribute to this target by creating more declared work. In this context, the European Commission launched this study to gather deeper insights into, and empirical evidence of, successful policies and policy combinations for tackling undeclared work. This study reviewed empirical evidence across the full range of direct and indirect policy measures, including their potential effectiveness in transforming undeclared work into declared work. The idea was to identify the most effective policies for reducing the volume of undeclared work and linked damages depending on the type of undeclared work, the target groups (drivers) and/or geographical specificities." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Anger, Christina & Dominik Enste (2022): Haushaltsnahe Dienstleistungen (noch?) überwiegend schwarz. (IW-Kurzberichte / Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft Köln 2022,24), Köln, 3 S.

Abstract

"Nur etwa jeder zehnte Haushalt nutzt bisher die Unterstützung durch eine Haushaltshilfe, darunter nur wenige Haushalte mit Kindern im Haushalt. Der Bedarf ist jedoch insbesondere für Familien in den letzten zwei Jahren durch den zeitweiligen Ausfall von Kindergärten und Schulen und dem damit erhöhten Betreuungsaufwand für Kinder gestiegen. Durch finanzielle Unterstützung in Form von Gutscheinen plant die Bundesregierung nun, hier Abhilfe zu schaffen und gleich mehrere Ziele zu erreichen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Baumann, Sheron, Manuela Eder, Ute Klotz & Armin Sehrer (2022): Die Rolle der Online-Arbeitsplattformen bei der Wegbereitung und Verhinderung von virtueller Schwarzarbeit. In: Arbeit. Zeitschrift für Arbeitsforschung, Arbeitsgestaltung und Arbeitspolitik, Jg. 31, H. 4, S. 421-442. DOI:10.1515/arbeit-2022-0024

Abstract

"Die Plattformökonomie ist in der jüngsten Vergangenheit stark gewachsen und ermöglicht unter anderem gut ausgebildeten Cloudworkern, grenzüberschreitend Aufträge online zu bearbeiten und Einkommen zu erzielen. Sie agieren dabei als Selbstständige und werden nicht automatisch durch die nationalen Systeme der Einkommensteuern und Sozialabgaben erfasst. Durch bewusstes oder unbewusstes Unterlassen der entsprechenden Deklarationen und Zahlungen machen sich Cloudworker jedoch der Schwarzarbeit schuldig. Dieser Beitrag untersucht für ein Sample von 47 internationalen Online-Arbeitsplattformen, ob und wie sie auftragnehmende Cloudworker bei der Einhaltung von Steuer- und Sozialversicherungsvorschriften unterstützen. Während sich zahlreiche Online-Arbeitsplattformen bemühen, Schwarzarbeit zu verhindern, unternehmen rund 40 Prozent von ihnen keine Anstrengungen dieser Art." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku, © De Gruyter)

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Benkovskis, Konstantins & Ludmila Fadejeva (2022): Chasing the Shadow: the Evaluation of Unreported Wage Payments in Latvia. (Working paper / Latvijas Banka 2022,1), Riga, 46 S.

Abstract

"We develop a novel way to evaluate the size of unreported wage payments at employee level. It is only the reported employer-employee income data combined with firm-level financial statements and survey information on various person-level indicators that are required for this purpose. We estimate the Mincer earning regression by the Stochastic Frontier Analysis approach, proxying the unreported wage payments by the non-negative inefficiency term. Our methodology is tested on the Latvian data: we find that small and young firms engage in illegal wage payments more than other firms. Unofficial payments to employees with small reported wages are more frequent and sizeable, revealing lower wage income inequality in Latvia when the unreported wage is taken into account." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Burgstaller, Lilith, Lars P. Feld & Katharina Pfeil (2022): Working in the Shadow: Survey Techniques for Measuring and Explaining Undeclared Work. In: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Jg. 200 München, München, S. 661-671. DOI:10.1016/j.jebo.2022.06.016

Abstract

"Little is known about the size and determinants of undeclared work. While approaches to measure the shadow economy have been extensively discussed, conventional surveys dominate research on undeclared work. We review and extend this literature by first referring to the most recent survey data on undeclared work in Germany and, second, by discussing four experimental survey techniques as well as their few applications to questions of undeclared work. We argue that the randomized response technique and list experiments would validate and improve prevalence estimates of undeclared work, whereas careful design of information provision experiments and discrete choice experiments would fill the gap on determinants that causally affect decisions to supply and demand undeclared work." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2022 Elsevier) ((en))

Zitatform

Burgstaller, Lilith, Lars P. Feld & Katharina Pfeil (2022): Working in the Shadow: Survey Techniques for Measuring and Explaining Undeclared Work. (CESifo working paper 9810), München, 27 S.

Abstract

"Little is known about the size and determinants of undeclared work. While approaches to measure the shadow economy have been extensively discussed, conventional surveys dominate research on undeclared work. We review and extend this literature by first referring to the most recent survey data on undeclared work in Germany and, second, by discussing four experimental survey techniques as well as their few applications to questions of undeclared work. We argue that the randomized response technique and list experiments would validate and improve prevalence estimates of undeclared work, whereas careful design of information provision experiments and discrete choice experiments would fill the gap on determinants that causally affect decisions to supply and demand undeclared work." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Dell'Anno, Roberto (2022): Theories and definitions of the informal economy: A survey. In: Journal of Economic Surveys, Jg. 36, H. 5, S. 1610-1643. DOI:10.1111/joes.12487

Abstract

"This paper surveys the literature on the definitions and theories of the informal economy (IE). It outlines the main differences in the definitional approaches of informality and proposes a definition for the IE that may be consistent with measurement and policy. The literature review distinguishes three, not mutually exclusive, approaches to the IE: the “neoclassical,” the “macro-econometric,” and the “conceptual” perspectives. I conclude the survey by outlining a framework that points out the main differences and similarities among the schools of thought on the nature of the IE. From a normative perspective, a leading recommendation emerges: a “one-size-fits-all” policy response is inadequate to deal with the heterogeneous nature of the IE. Policy measures should be tailored around the distinct segments of the IE grounded in terms of characteristics, contexts, and needs of the informal units." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Ferenc, Grega (2022): Schwarzarbeit in Ost-­, Westdeutschland und Slowenien – Ein Vergleich. In: Ifo Dresden berichtet, Jg. 29, H. 6, S. 19-26.

Abstract

"Mithilfe von Umfragedaten aus den Eurobarometern 2014 und 2019 der Europäischen Kommission wird untersucht, welche Faktoren die Wahrscheinlichkeit beeinflussen, dass ein Mensch unangemeldet arbeitet. Studien auf dem gesamteuropäischen Niveau auf der Angebotsseite zeigten, dass diese Wahrscheinlichkeit sinkt, wenn die Bürger*innen die Strafen sowie die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass sie ertappt werden, als höher einschätzen. In diesem Beitrag werden jedoch zwei Regionen und ein Land miteinander verglichen, die jeweils einen anderen historischen Hintergrund haben. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ein höheres Entdeckungsrisiko in Westdeutschland Personen signifikant von Schwarzarbeit abhält, in Slowenien und Ostdeutschland hingegen ist dieser Einfluss insignifikant. Die Zusammenhänge zwischen dem Vertrauen in die Mitbürger*Innen sind jedoch in allen Regionen statistisch signifikant. Ferner wird klar, dass die solidaritätsgetriebene Schwarzarbeit eine wichtige Rolle unter Freunden, Verwandten und Nachbarn spielt, da genau sie die primären Konsument*innen solcher Dienstleistungen sind." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Liwiński, Jacek (2022): Informal employment and wages in Poland. In: International Journal of Manpower, Jg. 44, H. 6, S. 1196-1220. DOI:10.1108/IJM-03-2021-0196

Abstract

"Purpose: This paper tries to identify the wage gap between informal and formal workers and tests for the two-tier structure of the informal labor market in Poland. Design/methodology/approach the author employs the propensity score matching (PSM) technique and use data from the Polish Labor Force Survey (LFS) for the period 2009–2017 to estimate the wage gap between informal and formal workers, both at the means and along the wage distribution. The author uses two definitions of informal employment: (1) employment without a written agreement and (2) employment while officially registered as unemployed at a labor office. In order to reduce the bias resulting from the non-random selection of individuals into informal employment, he uses a rich set of control variables representing several individual characteristics. Findings after controlling for observed heterogeneity, the author finds that on average informal workers earn less than formal workers, both in terms of monthly earnings and hourly wage. This result is not sensitive to the definition of informal employment used and is stable over the analyzed time period (2009–2017). However, the wage penalty to informal employment is substantially higher for individuals at the bottom of the wage distribution, which supports the hypothesis of the two-tier structure of the informal labor market in Poland. Originality/value the main contribution of this study is that it identifies the two-tier structure of the informal labor market in Poland: informal workers in the first quartile of the wage distribution and those above the first quartile appear to be in two partially different segments of the labor market." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Emerald Group) ((en))

Zitatform

Long, Iain W. & Vito Polito (2022): Job search, unemployment protection and informal work in advanced economies. In: Oxford economic papers, Jg. 74, H. 4, S. 1110-1138. DOI:10.1093/oep/gpab063

Abstract

"Informal work is a significant feature of labour markets in many developed countries, despite having unemployment protection (UP) programmes. We use a model of job search over the duration of unemployment to study how the structure of these programmes influences the incentive of the unemployed to engage in informal work while searching for formal jobs. Accounting for informality enables the model to jointly explain three known features on job search dynamics: a temporary re-employment spike, low search effort, and negative duration dependence. The quantitative analysis finds that both informality and unemployment can be reduced by redistributing (across either workers or programmes), rather than increasing, the overall UP budget." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Mutascu, Mihai & Scott W. Hegerty (2022): The role of refugees in the underground economy of the European Union. In: IZA journal of development and migration, Jg. 13. DOI:10.2478/izajodm-2022-0002

Abstract

"This paper explores the impact of refugees on the size of the underground economy in 28 European Union countries over the period from 1998 to 2017. It applies a nonlinear methodology by employing dynamic panel threshold estimations. The main findings uncover a nonlinear connection between refugees and the informal economy with an inverted V-shape and a different magnitude of effects depending on the share of the refugee population. The underground economy is stimulated at a low level of refugee inflows (where immigrants make up <0.572% of the total population). Large inflows compress the underground economy, which increases competition in the labor market based on lower labor costs. Economic growth and international trade play a crucial role in reducing the size of the informal economy. Equally importantly, coherent unemployment policy and adequate regulation of illegal immigrants support this process." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Bundesministerium der Finanzen (2022): Mindestlohnbetrug und Kontrollen zur Einhaltung des Mindestlohns in Deutschland. Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Abgeordneten und der Fraktion DIE LINKE (Drucksache 20/2960). (Verhandlungen des Deutschen Bundestages. Drucksachen 20/3232 (30.08.2022)), 11 S.

Abstract

Vor dem Hintergrund der anstehenden Erhöhung des gesetzlichen Mindestlohns auf 12 Euro zum 1. Oktober 2022 richtet sich die Kleine Anfrage der Fraktion DIE LINKE auf die Kontrolle der Einhaltung des Mindestlohns. Insbesondere geht es um die Arbeit der zuständigen Finanzkontrolle Schwarzarbeit (FKS) in Deutschland. Es erfolgt eine statistische Darstellung der Betriebe und Beschäftigten, differenziert nach Wirtschaftszweigen und für die Jahre 2019 bis 2022, für die die FKS zuständig ist. Weiterhin gibt die Bundesregierung Auskunft über die Anzahl der durchgeführten Arbeitgeberprüfungen, der dabei festgestellten Verstöße gegen das Mindestlohngesetz und eingeleitete Ordnungswidrigkeitsverfahren. (IAB)

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Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (2022): Vermittlung von Haushaltshilfen durch die Haushaltsjob-Börse der Minijobzentrale. Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Abgeordneten und der Fraktion der AfD(Drucksache 20/1256). (Verhandlungen des Deutschen Bundestages. Drucksachen 20/1466 (14.04.2022)), 4 S.

Abstract

Die Haushaltsjob-Börse als Stellenportal der Minijobzentrale umfasst Minijobs in Privathaushalten und richtet sich an Privatpersonen, die Unterstützung oder einen Job im Haushalt (Bereiche Haus, Garten, Kinderbetreuung, Unterstützung für Senioren und Betreuung von Haustieren) suchen. Eine aktive Vermittlung seitens der Minijob-Zentrale findet nicht statt. Nachgefragte Angaben zur Anzahl der Minijobbenden und Minijobs in Privathaushalten sowie Minijobs je Minijobbende und zur Anzahl der Suchanzeigen können gemacht werden. Auch Angaben zu der Zahl der Mitarbeitenden und den jährlichen Betriebskosten der Haushaltsjobbörse werden vorgelegt. Da Arbeitgeber ihre Haushaltshilfen über das Haushaltsscheck-Verfahren bei der Minijob-Zentrale anmelden, müssen sie lediglich das Monatsentgelt mitteilen, Angaben zu Stundenlöhnen können daher nicht gemacht werden. Bundesweit waren im Dezember 2021 mehr als 330.000 Minijobs bei der Minijob-Zentrale angemeldet, die Bundesregierung hält die Bemühungen, Schwarzarbeit in Privathaushalten deutlich zu reduzieren, für erfolgreich. (IAB)

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Bíró, Anikó, Daniel Prinz & László Sándor (2021): The minimum wage, informal pay and tax enforcement. (IFS working paper / Institute for Fiscal Studies 2021,41), London, 77 S.

Abstract

"We study the taxation of the minimum wage in an environment with imperfect enforcement and informality. We leverage an increase in the audit threat for earnings below a reporting threshold at twice the minimum wage in Hungary and estimate reporting and employment responses with administrative panel data. Using bunching estimators and difference-in-differences methods, we show that a substantial share of those who report earning the minimum wage earn at least the same amount off the books. When enforcement is imperfect, a taxed minimum wage serves as a backstop on underreporting and recovers some revenue but also increases informality." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Gavoille, Nicolas & Anna Zasova (2021): Minimum wage spike and income underreporting: a back-of-the-envelope-wage analysis. (SSE Riga/BICEPS research papers 7), Riga, 41 S.

Abstract

"The labor markets of many transition countries are characterized by two features: a spike at the minimum wage in wage distribution and widespread use of so-called envelope wages, i.e., non-declared cash coming in addition to the official wage. In this paper, we present a body of suggestive evidence highlighting the prevalence of wage underreporting among minimum wage earners. We study two minimum wage hikes implemented in Latvia in 2014 and 2015, and show that (i) minimum wage employees are more likely to survive these minimum wage hikes than employees earning slightly more, and (ii) minimum wage employees are more likely to switch to part-time work within the same firm than their peers earning slightly more. These effects are present in the sample of small (more prone to tax evasion) firms and are not found in the sample of big (less prone to tax evasion) firms. In addition, we show that minimum wage earners switching from employment in a small to a big firm enjoy a significantly larger wage gain than employees earning slightly more. Taken together, these results are consistent with tax evaders being overrepresented among minimum wage earners and are hard to rationalize otherwise." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Liwiński, Jacek (2021): Informal employment and wages in Poland. (GLO discussion paper / Global Labor Organization 804), Maastricht, 31 S.

Abstract

"Purpose: This paper tries to identify the wage gap between informal and formal workers and tests for the two-tier structure of the informal labour market in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: I employ the propensity score matching (PSM) technique and use data from the Polish Labour Force Survey (LFS) for the period 2009-2017 to estimate the wage gap between informal and formal workers, both at the means and along the wage distribution. I use two definitions of informal employment: a) employment without a written agreement and b) employment while officially registered as unemployed at a labour office. In order to reduce the bias resulting from the non-random selection of individuals into informal employment, I use a rich set of control variables representing several individual characteristics. Findings: After controlling for observed heterogeneity, I find that on average informal workers earn less than formal workers, both in terms of monthly earnings and hourly wage. This result is not sensitive to the definition of informal employment used and is stable over the analysed time period (2009-2017). However, the wage penalty to informal employment is substantially higher for individuals at the bottom of the wage distribution, which supports the hypothesis of the two-tier structure of the informal labour market in Poland. Originality/value: The main contribution of this study is that it identifies the two-tier structure of the informal labour market in Poland: informal workers in the first quartile of the wage distribution and those above the first quartile appear to be in two partially different segments of the labour market." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Schneider, Friedrich (2021): Mehr Licht im Schatten? Neuere Ergebnisse über die Schattenwirtschaft. In: Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Jg. 22, H. 3, S. 225-246. DOI:10.1515/pwp-2021-0037

Abstract

"In diesem Überblicksartikel schätzt Friedrich Schneider mit Hilfe des MIMIC-Ansatzes („Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes“) Größe und Entwicklung der Schattenwirtschaft für 157 Länder in den Jahren 1991–2017 und stellt zugleich die einschlägige Literatur vor. Die OECD-Länder haben mit Werten unter 20 Prozent des offiziellen BIP die kleinste Schattenwirtschaft; die Länder in Lateinamerika und Subsahara-Afrika mit durchschnittlich fast 38 beziehungsweise 39 Prozent die größte. Der Durchschnitt über alle Länder liegt bei 30,9 Prozent. Die Schattenwirtschaft schrumpft dabei über die Zeit. Der durchschnittliche Rückgang beträgt 6,8 Prozentpunkte. Besonders groß ist die Schattenwirtschaft in Ländern wie Bolivien (Georgien) mit 62,9 (61,7) Prozent des BIP; besonders klein ist sie in Ländern wie der Schweiz (den Vereinigten Staaten) mit durchschnittlich 6,4 (7,6) Prozent. Zur Überprüfung der Robustheit werden die MIMIC-Ergebnisse mit denen des Diskrepanz-Ansatzes für 23 Länder verglichen. Für die meisten Länder zeigen sich stabile, ähnliche Ergebnisse. Abschließend wird die Interaktion der Schattenwirtschaft mit der offiziellen Wirtschaft untersucht. Erste Ergebnisse für Pakistan 1976–2015 zeigen kurzfristig einen negativen und langfristig einen positiven Effekt der Schattenwirtschaft auf das BIP." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Williams, Colin C. & Gamze Öz-Yalaman (2021): Re-theorising participation in undeclared work in the European Union: lessons from a 2019 Eurobarometer survey. In: European Societies, Jg. 23, H. 3, S. 403-427. DOI:10.1080/14616696.2021.1887915

Abstract

"When explaining participation in undeclared work, the dominant theorisation views undeclared workers as rational economic actors participating in undeclared work when the benefits exceed the expected costs of being caught and punished. An alternative theorisation views participants’ in the undeclared economy as social actors driven into undeclared work by their lack of vertical trust (in governments) and horizontal trust (in others). To evaluate these perspectives, this paper reports data from 27,565 interviews conducted for a 2019 Eurobarometer survey on undeclared work in 28 European countries. This reveals that raising the expected costs of being caught and punished has no significant impact on the likelihood of conducting undeclared work. However, greater vertical and horizontal trust have a significant impact on preventing participation in undeclared work, and vertical and horizontal trust also moderate the effectiveness of using penalties and detection to deter engagement in undeclared work. The implication for theory is that a social actor perspective is advocated. The result is a call for a policy shift away from the dominant deterrence approach that increases the penalties and risks of detection, and towards a policy approach focused on improving vertical and horizontal trust." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Abstract

"Despite years of growth in the number of women in paid work, gender roles in unpaid housework have remained remarkably rigid. Unpaid housework can be outsourced to non-care household service providers, such as cleaners or housekeepers, however, high prices, a substantial tax burden and a lack of easy access impose barriers to greater formalisation of the household service sector. With the aim of increasing work-life balance for households, in particular for women in employment, and reducing the wide-ranging practice of undeclared employment, a number of OECD countries have implemented policies to formalise and boost the provision of non-care household services. This report illustrates the importance of the non-care household service sector and reviews international approaches in formalising the non-care household service market, ranging from providing tax incentives or granting social vouchers, to identify good practice. To highlight the potential economic gains that could follow from easing the housework burden, the report also estimates the economic value of unpaid housework provided by men and women." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Enste, Dominik (2020): Haushaltshilfen: Verbreitung von Schwarzarbeit wird deutlich unterschätzt. (IW-Kurzberichte / Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft Köln 2020,119), Köln, 3 S.

Abstract

"Eine aktuelle Bevölkerungsumfrage von Oktober 2020 zeigt, dass die Pandemie und deren Folgen auch der Hausarbeit mehr Aufmerksamkeit beschert hat – und Haushaltshilfen mehr Anerkennung verdienen. Dafür sind die Befragten auch bereit mehr als den gesetzlichen Mindestlohn zu zahlen – aber meist in bar und ohne Anmeldung. Allerdings wird die Verbreitung von Schwarzarbeit beim Putzen deutlich unterschätzt." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Fuchs, Philipp, Stefan Feldens & Georg Kalvelage (2020): Entwicklung von Schwarzarbeit und illegaler Beschäftigung seit der Einführung des gesetzlichen Mindestlohnes zum 1. Januar 2015 - Qualitative Erhebung. (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales. Forschungsbericht 564), Berlin, 91 S.

Abstract

"Zum 1. Januar 2015 wurde in Deutschland per Gesetz ein flächendeckender Mindestlohn in Höhe von 8,50 Euro pro Stunde eingeführt, der seither in drei Schritten auf nunmehr 9,35 Euro erhöht worden ist. Der Schwerpunkt der öffentlichen Diskussion und wissenschaftlichen Forschung fokussierte sich bisher vor allem auf Beschäftigungs- und Lohneffekte. Dagegen liegen zur Wirkungsweise des gesetzlichen Mindestlohns auf das Ausmaß und die Organisation von Schwarzarbeit sowie illegaler Beschäftigung kaum belastbare Informationen vor. Ziel der Studie ist es, den Zusammenhang zwischen Mindestlohn und Schwarzarbeit sowie illegaler Beschäftigung mit qualitativen Methoden vertiefend zu beleuchten. Hierbei werden sowohl übergreifende als auch branchenspezifische Aspekte analysiert. Zu den untersuchten Branchen zählen das Gastgewerbe, die Fleischwirtschaft, die Kurier-, Express- und Paketdienste sowie das Wach- und Sicherheitsgewerbe. Sie zählen gemäß § 2a Absatz 1 des SchwarzArbG neben sieben weiteren Branchen zu den besonders von Schwarzarbeit und illegaler Beschäftigung betroffenen Branchen. Im Rahmen der empirischen Untersuchung erwiesen sich spezifische Branchenstrukturmerkmale sowie Motivlagen beteiligter Personen- und Unternehmensgruppen als deutlich erklärungskräftiger als der gesetzliche Mindestlohn. Die Evidenz für systematische Zusammenhänge zwischen der Einführung des gesetzlichen Mindestlohns und dem Ausmaß an sowie der Ausgestaltung von Schwarzarbeit und illegaler Beschäftigung fällt auf Basis der Studienergebnisse letztlich sehr gering aus." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Höchstetter, Benjamin (2020): Der Nachweis im mindestlohnrechtlichen Sanktionsverfahren. Die Verwendbarkeit im Rahmen der Kontrolle und Durchsetzung des Mindestlohns durch die Finanzkontrolle Schwarzarbeit erhobener Beweismittel zum Nachweis von Straftaten und Ordnungswidrigkeiten im mindestlohnrechtlichen Sanktionsverfahren. (Theorie und Praxis des Arbeitsrechts 16), Baden-Baden: Nomos, 500 S. DOI:10.5771/9783748907763

Abstract

"Die Arbeit untersucht in einer Pionierleistung, inwieweit Beweismittel, die von den Zollverwaltungsbehörden im Rahmen der Kontrolle und Durchsetzung des gesetzlichen Mindestlohns erhoben wurden, verwendet werden dürfen, um Straftaten und Ordnungswidrigkeiten nachzuweisen. Sie kommt zu dem Ergebnis, dass die gegenwärtig praktizierte Prüf- und Sanktionspraxis nicht nur gegen einfachgesetzliche Normen, sondern auch gegen das Verfassungsrecht verstößt: So dürfen Arbeitgeber nicht einfach „ins Blaue hinein“ kontrolliert werden. Betroffene Personen sind über ihr bestehendes Auskunftsverweigerungsrecht zu belehren. Müssen Sie Dokumente anfertigen oder vorlegen, greift zu ihrem Schutz ein straf- bzw. bußgeldrechtliches Beweisverwertungsverbot ein. Indem diese und zahlreiche weitere potentielle Rechtsverstöße der Kontrollbehörden betrachtet werden, sollen betroffenen Arbeitgebern, ohne den Arbeitnehmerschutz zu vernachlässigen, Argumente an die Hand gegeben werden, damit sie sich gegen sie tangierende rechtswidrige Prüfungen zur Wehr setzen können." (Autorenreferat, © Nomos)

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Jaehrling, Karen (2020): Gute Arbeit oder Formalisierung "light"? "Grauzonen" der Beschäftigung und neue Intermediäre im Arbeitsmarkt Privathaushalt. (IAQ-Report 2020-12), Duisburg, 22 S. DOI:10.17185/duepublico/73566

Abstract

"Die Arbeitsverhältnisse im Arbeitsmarkt Privathaushalt werden in hohem Maße durch Vermittlungsinstanzen oder ‚Intermediäre‘ mitgeschaffen und mitgestaltet. Zwei neuere Arten von Intermediären sind digitale Plattformen für Putzdienste und Agenturen für sogenannte ‚Live-Ins‘, also Betreuungskräfte, die bei Pflegebedürftigen zu Hause leben. Die neuen Intermediäre tragen zur weiteren Institutionalisierung von ‚Grauzonen‘ in diesem Marktsegment bei: Die Grenzen zwischen bezahlter und unbezahlter, abhängiger und selbstständiger Beschäftigung verschwimmen. Im Vergleich zum Status quo ante bieten die neuen Erwerbsformen in der ‚Grauzone’ zum Teil eine verbesserte rechtliche und soziale Absicherung der Erwerbstätigen; es bleiben jedoch erhebliche Schutzlücken. Vor diesem Hintergrund sind eine Reihe alternativer Organisationsformen und Regulierungsansätze in Deutschland und anderen Ländern entstanden." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Bundesministerium der Finanzen (2020): Entwicklung Schwarzarbeit, illegale Beschäftigung und Sozialleistungsmissbrauch. Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Abgeordneten und der Fraktion der AfD (Drucksache 19/22338). (Verhandlungen des Deutschen Bundestages. Drucksachen 19/23467 (16.10.2020)), 24 S.

Abstract

Die Bundesregierung antwortet auf die Anfrage der AfD-Fraktion zur Entwicklung von Schwarzarbeit, illegaler Beschäftigung und Sozialleistungsmissbrauch in Deutschland. (IAB-Doku)

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Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund. Bereich Arbeitsmarktpolitik (2020): Gute Arbeit im Privathaushalt - ein Lösungsansatz mit großer Wirkung. (Arbeitsmarkt aktuell 2020,02), Berlin, 19 S.

Abstract

"Im Koalitionsvertrag haben die Regierungsparteien vereinbart, die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf von erwerbstätigen Eltern, Alleinerziehenden, älteren Menschen und pflegenden Angehörigen durch Zuschüsse für die Inanspruchnahme von haushaltsnahen Dienstleistungen, und damit zugleich legale, sozialversicherungspflichtige Beschäftigung, insbesondere von Frauen zu fördern. Im Ergebnisbericht des Zukunftsdialogs des BMAS wurde das Thema aufgegriffen und konkretisiert. Derzeit gibt es an verschiedenen Stellen Überlegungen zur Umsetzung. Ob diese noch zu einer Umsetzung in dieser Legislaturperiode führen, ist offen. In international fest etablierten Regelungen sowie in einem konkreten Modellprojekt in Baden-Württemberg hat sich gezeigt, dass ein solcher Zuschuss erhebliche Auswirkungen hat auf die Ausschöpfung inländischer Fachkräftepotenziale, auf die Verbesserung der Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf, auf die Lebensqualität erwerbstätiger Frauen und neue Perspektiven für Beschäftigung auf allen Qualifikationsebenen schafft. Darüber hinaus konnte die Schwarzarbeit spürbar zurückgedrängt werden. Eine eigene Modellrechnung zeigt die Finanzierbarkeit einer solchen Zuschusslösung, sowie die positiven Wirkungen auf die Stabilisierung der Sozialversicherungssysteme und auf die öffentlichen Haushalte." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund. Bereich Arbeitsmarktpolitik (2020): Förderung haushaltsnaher Dienstleistungen dringende gesellschaftspolitische Aufgabe. (Arbeitsmarkt aktuell 2020,08), Berlin, 22 S.

Abstract

"Die Corona-Krise hat gezeigt, wie dringend haushaltsnahe Dienstleistungen im Privathaushalt gestärkt und reguliert werden müssen, um Familien zu entlasten und Schwarzarbeit zurückzudrängen. Voraussetzung dafür ist die Einführung eines staatlichen Zuschusses, wie er im Koalitionsvertrag und in der Gleichstellungsstrategie der Bundesregierung angekündigt wurde. Er ermöglicht die Herstellung von Transparenz über Angebot und Nachfrage, die Zurückdrängung prekärer Beschäftigung sowie die Professionalisierung dieser Dienstleistung – und kann einen wichtigen Beitrag zur gleichberechtigten Teilhabe von Frauen am Arbeitsmarkt leisten. Zur Stärkung des legalen Angebots an haushaltsnahen Dienstleistungen ist die Anerkennung und gesellschaftliche Aufwertung der frauendominierten Berufe in der Hauswirtschaft dringend geboten. In Verbindung mit Qualifizierung bietet die Tätigkeit Einstiegsmöglichkeiten in den Arbeitsmarkt, aber auch Aufstiegschancen sowohl im Bereich der haushaltsnahen Dienstleistungen selbst als auch Umstiegsoptionen in andere Bereiche des Arbeitsmarktes. Für eine erfolgreiche Einführung staatlicher Zuschüsse ist zunächst eine Konzentration auf Haushalte mit besonderem Unterstützungsbedarf sinnvoll. Vorrangig sollten Erwerbstätige mit Familienaufgaben, Alleinerziehende und ältere Menschen berücksichtigt werden. Ein besonderer Nutzen ist für die Sicherung des Fachkräftebedarfes absehbar, wenn das Erwerbspotenzial qualifizierter Frauen durch Entlastung im Haushalt besser genutzt werden kann, u.a. dann, wenn diese in sogenannten systemrelevanten Berufen arbeiten. Den Kosten eines solchen Modells stehen Mehreinnahmen bei der Steuer, den Sozialversicherungen und durch die gesamtgesellschaftlichen Wirkungen weitere indirekte Einnahmen sowohl im Staatshaushalt als auch in den Privathaushalten gegenüber. Bei der Regulierung müssen die Wirkungen von Sonderregelungen, wie z. B. Minijobs oder die sogenannte Kleinunternehmerregelung mitberücksichtigt werden. Insgesamt werden die Sozialversicherungen und die öffentlichen Haushalte gestärkt, indem neue Arbeitsplätze geschaffen werden, die Wertschöpfung gesteigert wird, dringend benötigte inländische Fachkräfte gewonnen werden und somit auch ökonomisch und gesellschaftspolitisch vernünftig mit Ressourcen umgegangen wird. Der DGB fordert daher die Aufwertung und Professionalisierung der haushaltsnahen Dienstleistungen durch Einführung des Zuschusses in Orientierung am belgischen Vorbild sowie die konsequente Verknüpfung der notwendigen Beschäftigungsregulierung mit der Arbeitsmarktpolitik." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Boumans, Dorine & Friedrich Schneider (2019): Ausmaß und Auswirkungen der Schattenwirtschaft. Ergebnisse der Sonderfragen des ifo World Economic Survey. In: Ifo-Schnelldienst, Jg. 72, H. 24, S. 90-95.

Abstract

"Die WES-Sonderfragen für das vierte Quartal 2019 befassen sich mit dem Ausmaß und den Wirkungen der Schattenwirtschaft. Die Teilnehmer wurden gebeten, Fragen zum Ausmaß der Schattenwirtschaft in den einzelnen Ländern, zu den Gründen für Schattenwirtschaft und zu den Sektoren, die hauptsächlich von Schattenwirtschaft betroffen sind, zu beantworten." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Köllo, János (2019): Eliciting permanent and transitory undeclared work from matched administrative and survey data. In: Empirica, Jg. 46, H. 3, S. 547-576. DOI:10.1007/s10663-018-9403-0

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Enste, Dominik (2019): Unternehmen: 300 Milliarden Euro Umsatzverluste durch Schwarzarbeit. (IW-Kurzberichte / Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft Köln 2019,03), Köln, 3 S.

Abstract

"Schwarzarbeit schädigt die deutschen Unternehmen und bewirkt Umsatzeinbußen von 4,7 Prozent oder umgerechnet 300 Milliarden Euro jährlich, wie die neueste, repräsentative Unternehmensbefragung im IW-Zukunftspanel von November 2018 von 853 Unternehmen zeigt." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Kuhn, Renate (2019): Riesiges Potenzial für legale Arbeit in Privathaushalten. Schwarzarbeit in privaten Haushalten zurückdrängen. In: Soziale Sicherheit, Jg. 66, H. 11, S. 411-418.

Abstract

"Putzen, Bügeln, Rasenmähen, Kinderbetreuung... Schätzungen gehen davon aus, dass zwischen drei und vier Millionen private Haushalte solche und andere Dienstleistungen in Anspruch nehmen. Doch nur wenige haben ihre Haushaltshilfen angemeldet. Die meisten Hilfskräfte im Haushalt werden schwarz beschäftigt. Wie hoch ist der Anteil der Schwarzarbeit? Was sind die Ursachen dafür? Und wie könnte die Schwarzarbeit in Privathaushalten zurückgedrängt werden?" (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Abraham, Katharine G. & Ashley Amaya (2018): Probing for informal work activity. (NBER working paper 24880), Cambrige, Mass., 48 S. DOI:10.3386/w24880

Abstract

"The Current Population Survey (CPS) is the source of official U.S. labor force statistics. The wording of the CPS employment questions may not always cue respondents to include informal work in their responses, especially when providing proxy reports about other household members. In a survey experiment conducted using a sample of Mechanical Turk respondents, additional probing identified a substantial amount of informal work activity not captured by the CPS employment questions, both among those with no employment and among those categorized as employed based on answers to the CPS questions. Among respondents providing a proxy report for another household member, the share identifying additional work was systematically greater among those receiving a detailed probe that offered examples of types of informal work than among those receiving a simpler global probe. Similar differences between the effects of the detailed and the global probe were observed when respondents answered for themselves only among those who had already reported multiple jobs. The findings suggest that additional probing could improve estimates of employment and multiple job holding in the CPS and other household surveys, but that how the probe is worded is likely to be important." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Berger, Wolfram, Simone Salotti & Jordi Sardà (2018): Do fiscal decentralization and income inequality affect the size of the shadow economy? A panel data analysis for OECD countries. In: Applied Economics Letters, Jg. 25, H. 8, S. 571-575. DOI:10.1080/13504851.2017.1346356

Abstract

"In this article, we study fiscal decentralization and inequality as driving forces of the shadow economy in advanced economies. Our empirical analysis suggests that a reduction in income inequality will contain the shadow economy, whereas expenditure and tax decentralization do not significantly impact it. As decentralization is generally believed to increase government efficiency, this result is indicative of already highly efficient public administrations. Our results further indicate that redistributive policies positively affect the size of the shadow economy, whereas the tax burden does not have any discernible effect on the shadow economy in our sample." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Bracha, Anat & Mary A. Burke (2018): Wage inflation and informal work. In: Economics Letters, Jg. 171, H. October, S. 159-163. DOI:10.1016/j.econlet.2018.07.033

Abstract

"Despite the low unemployment rate in the United States, wage inflation has remained modest. This paper investigates whether hidden labor market slack in the form of informal 'gig' economy work could help explain this puzzle. Using our Survey of Informal Work Participation for 2015 - 2016 we find that informal labor is negatively associated with wage growth at the census division level, while no such association exists between wage growth and unemployment rates." (Author's abstract, © 2018 Elsevier) ((en))

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Bulmer, Elizabeth Ruppert (2018): Defining informality vs mitigating its negative effects. More important than defining and measuring informality is focusing on reducing its detrimental consequences. (IZA world of labor 442), Bonn, 12 S. DOI:10.15185/izawol.442

Abstract

"Eine einheitliche Definition von Informalität zu finden, ist angesichts der komplexen Wirklichkeit der informellen Wirtschaft kaum möglich. Gleichzeitig erschweren fehlende Erfassung und hohe Dunkelziffern eine korrekte Messung. Folgt die Definition zu sehr den verfügbaren Daten, droht die Gefahr falscher Politikantworten auf die Negativeffekte von Informalität hinsichtlich Produktivität, Einkommen, Arbeitsbedingungen und Anfälligkeit gegenüber Einkommensschocks. Die Politik sollte sich deshalb darauf konzentrieren, die von diesen Auswirkungen besonders Betroffenen zu identifizieren und die jeweiligen Problemfelder mit spezifischen, gezielten Maßnahmen angehen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Coric, Bruno (2018): The glass ceiling puzzle, legal institutions, and the shadow economy. In: Feminist economics, Jg. 24, H. 4, S. 56-82. DOI:10.1080/13545701.2018.1456672

Abstract

"Scholarly studies in economics, sociology, psychology, and management emphasize the low number of women in management as one of the main indicators of gender discrimination in the labor market. This study investigates the differences in the percentage of women in senior management across forty-five countries. The results of the regression analysis show that women are more represented in senior management in developing countries than in so-called 'liberal Western democracies.' Women also participate more in senior management in countries in which prejudice and discrimination against women are greater. The study presents empirical evidence for two economic explanations for these puzzling results: the weak functioning of the legal system and the large size of the shadow economy." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Dietrich, Hans & Alexander Patzina (2018): Bogus self-employment in Germany. Also a question of definition. In: IAB-Forum H. 03.04.2018, o. Sz., 2018-03-28.

Abstract

"Based on a large-scale empirical study with 30,000 participants, the IAB explored the dissemination of bogus self-employment in Germany. In particular, the study analyses which labour market groups are over average affected by bogus self-employment as an illegal form of employment. The study employs alternative legal definitions of employment to test the sensitivity of the results." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Enste, Dominik H. (2018): The shadow economy in industrial countries. Reducing the size of the shadow economy requires reducing its attractiveness while improving official institutions. (IZA world of labor 127), Bonn, 11 S. DOI:10.15185/izawol.127.v2

Abstract

"Schattenwirtschaft ist kein rein ökonomisches Problem, das sich mit der Bekämpfung ihrer Symptome durch Strafen und Kontrolle entschärfen ließe. Länderspezifische Analysen von Ursachen und Folgen sind erforderlich, um auf den Entwicklungsstand der jeweiligen Volkswirtschaft abgestimmte Politikmaßnahmen treffen zu können. Das Ausmaß von Schwarzarbeit ist ein Gradmesser für die Notwendigkeit, die Attraktivität von Schattenwirtschaft mit angemessenerer Regulierung, fairerer Besteuerung und verantwortungsvoller Regierungsführung einzudämmen. Illegale Beschäftigung, Korruption und organisierte Kriminalität bedürfen der Bekämpfung durch striktere Kontrolle und konsequentere Rechtsdurchsetzung." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Fedotenkov, Igor (2018): Corporate labour share of income and the shadow economy. A cross-country analysis. In: Applied Economics Letters, Jg. 26, H. 4, S. 302-305. DOI:10.1080/13504851.2018.1467549

Abstract

"This article addresses a link between the size of the shadow economy and the corporate labour share of income in the European Union. Fixed individual and time effects models suggest that there is a negative link between these two indicators. The coefficients are statistically significant if we control for other variables related to labour markets, such as unemployment rates or strictness of employment protection (regular contracts). Depending on the exact model specification, our estimates suggest that an increase in the shadow economy by 1% of GDP results in a 0.5 - 1% decline in the labour share of income in the corporate sector." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Seifert, Stefan & Marica Valente (2018): An offer that you can't refuse? Agrimafias and migrant labor on vineyards in Southern Italy. (DIW-Diskussionspapiere 1735), Berlin, 33 S.

Abstract

"In the 2011 post-Arab Spring migration wave, over 64,000 migrants landed on the southern Italian coast, with many of them potentially working illegally on farms through caporalato, a widespread system of illegal recruitment of underpaid farm labor run by Italian agrimafias. To test this hypothesis, this paper evaluates the causal effects of the 2011 migration wave on reported labor productivity focusing on vineyards in southern Italy. Based on a dynamic panel data model, labor productivity is estimated to increase by about 11% on average for 2011 and 2012. We show that this corresponds to a total of around 10 million unreported work hours, or 21,000 full-time employees, in each year. We interpret this as an increase in employment of illegal workforce due to the migration wave. Magnitude, direction, and statistical significance of the effect are confirmed under various model specifications and using synthetic control and post-lasso approaches." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Abstract

"Two billion workers - representing 61.2 per cent of the world's employed population - are in informal employment.
The third edition of this work provides, for the first time, comparable estimates on the size of the informal economy and a statistical profile of informality in all its diversity at the global and regional levels. A common set of criteria to measure informal work has been applied to more than 100 countries, both developed and developing.
The publication is particularly timely given the momentum created by the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204) and the Sustainable Development Goals, which include a specific global indicator on informal employment (8.3.1)." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Afonso, Óscar & Francisco Almeida (2017): The nonobserved economy in the European Union. In: Applied Economics Letters, Jg. 24, H. 1, S. 14-18. DOI:10.1080/13504851.2016.1158908

Abstract

"To better understand the share of the nonobserved economy (NOE) in the European Union, especially on the PIIGS, we estimate, through the multiple indicators multiple causes model, the path between 1980 and 2013. The model includes (i) the tax burden (disaggregated into direct and indirect taxes), a proxy of regulation burden, the unemployment rate and self-employment as causes of the NOE economy; (ii) the GDP and the labour force participation ratio as indicators of the NOE economy. In particular, the estimated weight of NOE as a percentage of official GDP was always higher in the PIIGS group." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Afonso, Óscar & Rui Sarabanda (2017): The impact of the informal economy on R&D, wage inequality and economic growth. In: Applied Economics Letters, Jg. 24, H. 1, S. 39-44. DOI:10.1080/13504851.2016.1158913

Abstract

"We extend the existing research and development (R&D) growth literature by focusing on the short - medium - long run effects of the informal sector on R&D intensity, wage inequality and economic growth, and by considering 18 OECD countries between 1990 and 2008. We show that: the steady state is unique and stable; the share of informal economy (IE) in production affects negatively R&D intensity and wage equality; Nordic countries have the lowest share of IE in production, while Mediterranean countries have the highest share of IE, wage inequality and R&D intensity but R&D spillovers are lower." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Di Porto, Edoardo, Leandro Elia & Cristina Tealdi (2017): Informal work in a flexible labour market. In: Oxford economic papers, Jg. 69, H. 1, S. 143-164. DOI:10.1093/oep/gpw010

Abstract

"Informal employment is a pervasive and persistent feature of most developing and developed economies. Labour taxation and labour market regulations are deemed two major causes for operating in the informal sector. Using data from France, Italy, and Spain, we analyse gross job flows and gross worker flows in the formal and informal sectors in the presence of lenient employment protection legislation, and investigate the way traditional policy interventions may favour transitions from one sector to the other. We show that optimal outcomes in terms of reduction and formalisation of informal jobs across the three countries examined are achieved with the combination of lower payroll taxes for permanent contracts and higher inspection rate for firms operating in the informal sector. Coupling lower firing costs with more frequent labour inspections also reduces informality, but this comes at the cost of an increased ratio of temporary to total employment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Enste, Dominik H. (2017): Schwarzarbeit und Schattenwirtschaft. Argumente und Fakten zur nicht angemeldeten Erwerbstätigkeit in Deutschland und Europa. (IW-Report / Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft Köln 2017,09), Köln, 30 S.

Abstract

"Über Schwarzarbeit und Schattenwirtschaft wird vor allem in Zeiten von wirtschaftlichen Krisen gesprochen. Sie dienen dann als eine Art Puffer und gleichen die Härten einer Rezession gerade für Personen mit geringeren oder mittleren Einkommen aus. Gerade in Südeuropa ist Schattenwirtschaft weitverbreitet." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Feld, Lars P. & Friedrich Schneider (2017): Reply to Gebhard Kirchgässner. In: German economic review, Jg. 18, H. 1, S. 112-117. DOI:10.1111/geer.12097

Abstract

"In this reply to Kirchgässner, four issues are addressed: (1) the extent of double counting in attempts to reconcile estimates of the shadow economy based on the survey method and estimates based on the MIMIC (cum currency demand) approach, (2) advantages and disadvantages of the survey method, (3) of macro methods like the MIMIC approach and (4) the potential role of plausibility checks of estimates from the MIMIC approach with the survey method." (Author's abstract, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Goel, Rajeev K. & James W. Saunoris (2017): Unemployment and international shadow economy. Gender differences. In: Applied Economics, Jg. 49, H. 58, S. 5828-5840. DOI:10.1080/00036846.2017.1343452

Abstract

"Adding to the body of research on cross-country determinants of the informal economy, this article studies how unemployment differences across gender drive the propensities to work in the informal sector. Results, accounting for possible simultaneity between unemployment and the shadow economy, show that unemployed males, rather than unemployed females, were more likely to operate underground. These findings about greater male propensities are generally robust to alternative considerations." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kirchgässner, Gebhard (2017): On estimating the size of the shadow economy. In: German economic review, Jg. 18, H. 1, S. 99-111. DOI:10.1111/geer.12094

Abstract

"As long as it is employed cautiously enough, the model approach is a useful tool to estimate simultaneously the size and the development of the shadow economy in several countries. However, a second method is necessary to calibrate the model. The currency demand approach can lead to highly implausible results; the size of the shadow economy might be largely overestimated. An alternative is the survey method. For real tests of whether a variable has an impact, procedures are necessary that do not use the same variables as those used to construct the indicator. Thus, to make progress in analysing the shadow economy, the model approach has a role to play, but it has to be complemented by other methods employing different data. The currency demand approach cannot be used as long as it employs the same variables for its constructions." (Author's abstract, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Mauleón, I. & J. Sardà (2017): Unemployment and the shadow economy. In: Applied Economics, Jg. 49, H. 37, S. 3729-3740. DOI:10.1080/00036846.2016.1267844

Abstract

"Current research links the shadow economy (SE) and the unemployment rate either indirectly or by means of a preliminary estimate. This article establishes and empirically implements a methodology for estimating the size of the SE as a direct function of the tax and unemployment rates. This link is found to be extremely relevant in countries with high unemployment rates (such as Greece and Spain) and less relevant in countries with moderate unemployment rates (such as Germany and Italy). Unemployment's contribution to the SE is shown to be significant, especially in the years following the economic downturn of 2008. The calculation of the variance and distribution of these estimates is another significant contribution. The common criticism that SE estimates are unreliable is addressed by calculating the variance and the distribution of the estimates, and the large size of the SE in Greece and Spain is once again confirmed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Pfau-Effinger, Birgit (2017): Informal employment in the poor European periphery. In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Jg. 37, H. 7/8, S. 387-399. DOI:10.1108/IJSSP-07-2016-0080

Abstract

"Purpose
During the transition from socialist to post-socialist regimes, many Central and Eastern Europe societies have developed a broad sector of informal work. This development has caused substantial economic and social problems. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper aims to answer two questions regarding European countries with a relatively weak economy and welfare state: what are the differences in the social characteristics between workers in formal and informal employment? And how might they be explained? According to the main assumption, a key reason why people work in undeclared employment in such countries is that they are in particularly vulnerable positions in the labour market. This paper uses the example of Moldova. The empirical study is based on a unique survey data set from the National Statistical Office of Moldova covering formal and informal employment.
Findings
The findings show that, in informal employment, workers in rural areas, workers with a low level of education, young workers and older workers - in the final years of their careers and after the age of retirement - are over-represented. It seems that a significant reason why these workers are often engaged in informal employment is the lack of alternatives in the labour market, particularly in rural areas, compounded by limited social benefits from unemployment benefits and pensions.
Originality/value
Research about social differences between workers in formal and informal employment in the countries of the European periphery is rare. This paper makes a new contribution to the theoretical debate and research regarding work in informal employment" (Author's abstract, © Emerald Group) ((en))

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Schneider, Friedrich (2017): Implausible large differences in the sizes of underground economies in highly developed European countries? A comparison of different estimation methods. (CESifo working paper 6522), München, 25 S.

Abstract

"In this paper, first, the MIMIC estimation method is described and criticized and due to a double counting problem a correction is suggested. Second, the measurement methods used for National Accounts Statistics - the discrepancy method and two new micro survey methods - are described and a third, a micro method, using a combination of company manager surveys and their knowledge to calibrate the size of the shadow economy in firms, is presented, too. Third, a detailed comparison of the four micro estimation methods with the MIMIC and the corrected MIMIC method are presented. One major result is that the corrected MIMIC method, especially, comes quite close to various types of lately developed micro survey methods." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Shapland, Joanna & Jason Heyes (2017): How close are formal and informal work? In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Jg. 37, H. 7/8, S. 374-386. DOI:10.1108/IJSSP-06-2016-0071

Abstract

"Purpose
Recent changes in the UK to the regulation and modes of work in the formal and informal economies are considered. Research in this field has tended to remain in silos (treating formal economy working conditions separately from research on the informal economy). The question is whether the means of work and benefits to the worker for formal and informal work are now as different as the former images of formal and informal economy work imply under a 'jobs-for-life' economy. The purpose of this paper is to consider whether the current aim of government regulation of the informal economy - to formalise it - is actually of benefit to workers, as might be supposed.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper considers recent research findings on the formal and informal economy, using official government statistics for the UK and more detailed European studies on the informal economy.
Findings
This paper argues that formal employment in the UK is becoming more casualised, with less associated benefits to employees. Though it is still of benefit to the state to formalise informal work (to increase tax take), some of the links between formalisation and a good working environment for workers are being broken, which may lead to the informal economy becoming more popular and requiring different priorities in its regulation.
Originality/value
This paper argues that we need to change our assumptions and image of work in the formal economy, compared to that in the informal economy." (Author's abstract, © Emerald Group) ((en))

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Slack, Tim, Leif Cope, Michael R. Jensen & Ann R. Tickamyer (2017): Social embeddedness, formal labor supply, and participation in informal work. In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Jg. 37, H. 3/4, S. 248-264. DOI:10.1108/IJSSP-02-2016-0022

Abstract

"Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze data from the first-ever national-level study of informal work in the USA to test two prominent points of focus in the literature: how participation in informal work relates to social embeddedness and formal labor supply. This paper also provides a comparative test of the factors associated with exchange-based informal work (i.e. money/barter) vs self-provisioning activities.
Design/methodology/approach: The study draws on data from a national-level household telephone survey and uses descriptive statistics and logistic regression models.
Findings: The data show that participation in the informal economy is widespread in the USA. Consistent with theory, it is found that measures of social embeddedness and formal labor supply are much more salient for predicting participation in informal work for money/barter compared to self-provisioning.
Originality/value: Drawing on unique data from the first national-level household survey of informal work in the USA, this study provides generalizable support for the contention that the informal sector stands as a persistent structural feature in modern society. The results build on the wealth of information produced by qualitative case studies examining informal economic activity as well as a smaller number of regionally targeted surveys to provide important theoretical insights." (Author's abstract, © Emerald Group) ((en))

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Tangermann, Julian & Janne Grote (2017): Illegale Beschäftigung von Drittstaatsangehörigen in Deutschland. Studie der deutschen nationalen Kontaktstelle für das Europäische Migrationsnetzwerk (EMN). (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge. Working paper 74), Nürnberg, 72 S.

Abstract

"In der Diskussion über illegale Beschäftigung standen in der jüngeren Vergangenheit immer wieder sowohl deutsche als auch ausländische Beschäftigte im Fokus. Jüngst gerieten Geflüchtete ins Rampenlicht, obwohl es keine verlässlichen Erkenntnisse darüber gibt, dass sie überproportional häufig einer illegalen Beschäftigung nachgehen. Auch in Bezug zur illegalen Beschäftigung von Drittstaatsangehörigen im Allgemeinen gibt es nur wenige verlässliche statistische Kennzahlen. Die vorhandenen Daten werden in der Studie diskutiert. Darüber hinaus werden die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen, die zentralen Akteure zur Kontrolle und Präventionsarbeit sowie die Folgen für Arbeitgeberinnen und Arbeitgeber und für illegal beschäftigte Drittstaatsangehörige selbst beschrieben." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Williams, Colin C., Predrag Bejakovic, Davor Mikulic, Josip Franic, Abbi Kedir & Ioana A. Horodnic (2017): An evaluation of the scale of undeclared work in the European Union and its structural determinants. Estimates using the Labour Input Method. Brüssel, 29 S. DOI:10.2767/98169

Abstract

"How big is undeclared work in the EU? According to this study, more than 11% of work in the private sector is 'under the table'. However, there are big differences between EU countries, with Poland, Romania and Lithuania having the highest levels of undeclared work, while Germany and the Netherlands have low shares. The study analyses the reasons for this and examines the types of employments where undeclared work is more frequent." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Williams, Colin C. & Ioana A. Horodnic (2017): Evaluating the relationship between social exclusion and participation in the informal sector in the European Union. In: International journal of manpower, Jg. 38, H. 3, S. 489-503. DOI:10.1108/IJM-10-2015-0179

Abstract

"Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate who engages in informal work. The intention in doing so is to analyse whether important causal factors of social exclusion such as age, education, gender and employment status influence participation in informal work in the European Union.
Design/methodology/approach: To do this, a 2013 Eurobarometer survey of who participates in undeclared work in 28 European member states is reported.
Findings: Using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis, the finding is that although some marginalised groups (the unemployed, those having difficulties paying their household bills, the working class and younger age groups) are significantly more likely to participate in the informal sector, others are not (those with less formal education and living in rural areas) and yet others (women and people in deprived European regions) are significantly less likely to participate.
Research limitations/implications: The outcome is a call for a nuanced and variegated understanding of the relationship between participation in the informal sector and social exclusion.
Practical implications: These results display the specific populations that need targeting when seeking to tackle informal work, revealing for example that the current the allocation of European funds for tackling informal work in poorer EU regions is mistaken, but that the targeting of the unemployed is not and current policy initiatives such as smoothing the transition from unemployment to self-employment worthwhile.
Originality/value: This is the first extensive evaluation of the relationship between participation in the informal sector and social exclusion at the level of the European Union" (Author's abstract, © Emerald Group) ((en))

Abstract

"Der nun vom Bundeskabinett beschlossene Dreizehnte Bericht zeigt auf, dass nahezu alle, insbesondere lohnintensive Wirtschaftszweige von Schwarzarbeit und illegaler Beschäftigung betroffen sind. Die Schwerpunkte liegen dabei unter anderem in den im Schwarzarbeitsbekämpfungsgesetz und im Vierten Sozialgesetzbuch genannten Branchen, wie beispielsweise das Bau-, das Gaststätten- und Beherbergungs-, das Personenbeförderungs-, das Speditions-, Transport- und Logistik-, das Gebäudereinigungsgewerbe sowie die Fleischwirtschaft.
Der Bericht berücksichtigt die Stellungnahmen der Länder, der betroffenen Bundesressorts, der Generalzolldirektion sowie weiterer Behörden, Interessenvertretungen und Gewerkschaften und stellt die Entwicklung im Zeitraum von 2013 bis 2016 dar." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Bundesministerium der Finanzen (2017): Finanzkontrolle Schwarzarbeit - Kontrolle von Mindestlöhnen 2016. Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Abgeordneten und der Fraktion BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN (Drucksache 18/11304). (Verhandlungen des Deutschen Bundestages. Drucksachen 18/11475 (10.03.2017)), 20 S.

Abstract

Die Bundesregierung antwortet auf die Anfrage der Fraktion BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN zur Kontrolle von Mindestlöhnen durch die Finanzkontrolle Schwarzarbeit im Jahr 2016. (IAB)

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Di Caro, Paolo & Giuseppe Nicotra (2016): Short, long and spatial dynamics of informal employment. In: Regional Studies. Journal of the Regional Studies Association, Jg. 50, H. 11, S. 1804-1818. DOI:10.1080/00343404.2015.1072274

Abstract

"In diesem Beitrag analysieren wir regionale Schattenarbeitsmärkte. Wir führen überregionale Migrationsströme in ein stochastisches Zweisektorenmodell ein, das zur Untersuchung der Auswirkungen der regionalen Wechselwirkungen auf die Informalität genutzt wird. Aus den empirischen Ergebnissen geht hervor, dass informelle Tätigkeiten in italienischen Regionen durch die ineffiziente Bereitstellung öffentlicher Güter sowie durch hohe Steuern bedingt sind. Regionale Verbindungen werden als signifikant befunden. Wir untersuchen ortsspezifische Reaktionen der informellen Beschäftigung auf nationale Schocks in der offiziellen Wirtschaft und stellen fest, dass der informelle Sektor formelle Tätigkeiten ergänzen oder ersetzen kann. Anschließend erörtern wir die zusammengefassten Ergebnisse und politischen Schlussfolgerungen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Flórez, Luz Adriana & Francisco Perales (2016): Labour protection and informal work. A cross-national analysis of european countries, 2004-2012. In: International Labour Review, Jg. 155, H. 4, S. 623-650. DOI:10.1111/j.1564-913X.2015.00049.x

Abstract

"Informal work, defined as work performed without a formal contract, lowers productivity, reduces tax revenue and hampers economic growth. Reducing informal work is a policy objective in developed and developing countries alike. Yet, particularly since the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008, most socio-economic policy reforms across Europe have reduced the generosity of unemployment benefit schemes and deregulated employment protection. The authors argue that, while such reforms may have contributed to reducing unemployment, they might also have increased the incidence of informal work. Using European Social Survey data for 2004 - 12, they find that labour protection is effective in reducing informal wage employment." (Author's abstract, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Goel, Rajeev K. & Michael A. Nelson (2016): Robust determinants of the shadow economy. An international comparison. (CESifo working paper 5873), München, 36 S.

Abstract

"To synthesize the literature on determinants of the shadow economy, this paper uses three cross-national shadow economy measures and employs numerous determinants over hundreds of model combinations to identify robust determinants of the shadow economy and address modelling uncertainty. We find that bureaucratic complexity is more significant than monetary severity in driving shadow activity. The incentives of new shadow entrepreneurs are somewhat different. A one standard deviation increase in tax complexity increases overall shadow economy by over ten percent of the mean. In contrast, a similar increase in business startup costs increases new informal entrepreneurs by almost more than double." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Hassan, Mai & Friedrich Schneider (2016): Size and development of the shadow economies of 157 countries worldwide. Updated and new measures from 1999 to 2013. (IZA discussion paper 10278), Bonn, 46 S.

Abstract

"This paper is a first attempt to study the size and development of the shadow economies of 157 countries over 1999 to 2013. Using a MIMIC model, we find that higher tax and regulatory burden, unemployment and self-employment rates are drivers of the shadow economy, meaning that an increase of these causal variables increases the shadow economy. Our result also confirms previous findings of Friedrich Schneider, Andreas Buehn and Claudia Montenegro (2010). The estimated average of informality of 157 countries around the world, including developing, eastern European, central Asian and high income OECD countries averaged over 1999 to 2013 is 33.77% of official GDP. A critical discussion about the size of these macro-estimates comes to the conclusion that most likely the 'true' shadow economy of these countries is only 69% of their estimated macro-MIMIC-values." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kolm, Ann-Sofie & Birthe Larsen (2016): Informal unemployment and education. In: IZA journal of labor economics, Jg. 5, S. 1-36. DOI:10.1186/s40172-016-0048-6

Abstract

"This paper develops a four-sector equilibrium search and matching model with informal sector employment opportunities and educational choice. We show that underground activities reduce educational attainments if informal employment opportunities mainly are available for low-educated workers. A more zealous enforcement policy will in this case improve educational incentives as it reduces the attractiveness of remaining a low-educated worker. However, unemployment also increases. Characterizing the optimal enforcement policies, we find that relatively more audits should be targeted towards the sector employing low-educated workers; elsewise, a too low stock of educated workers is materialized." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Mac Géidigh, Donal, Friedrich Schneider & Matthias Blum (2016): Grey matters: Charting the development of the shadow economy. (CESifo working paper 6234), München, 59 S.

Abstract

"The shadow economy has long been an area of research for policymakers. The determinants of underground activity of late have been identified as high tax burdens and increased regulation, but has this relationship always existed? This seminal work examines the shadow economy in Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States over the past 145 (from 1870 to 2015) years using the Currency Demand Approach and finds that the underground economy is stabilising. To our knowledge this is the first attempt to estimate the size and development of the shadow economy over such a long period and due to this we get some new insights. Our results clearly show that the shadow economy in earlier times was considerably higher than in the last 50 years. This paper also analyses whether a plateau has been reached and questions what efforts could be made to further reduce this informal economy." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Stiglitz, Joseph E. & Mark Pieth (2016): Overcoming the shadow economy. Berlin, 24 S.

Abstract

"There is a growing global consensus that the secrecy-havens-jurisdictions which undermine global standards for corporate and financial transparency-pose a global problem: they facilitate both money laundering and tax avoidance and evasion, contributing to crime and unacceptably high levels of global wealth inequality.
As economic leaders, the United States and Europe have an obligation to force financial centers to comply with global transparency standards. That they have the instruments to do so has been forcefully shown in the fight against terrorism. That they do not do so in the fight against corruption and tax avoidance and evasion is testimony to the power of the interests of those who benefit from secrecy.
In a globalized world, if there is any pocket of secrecy, funds will flow through that pocket. That is why the system of transparency has to be global. The US and EU are key in tipping the balance toward transparency, but this will only be the starting point: each country must play its role as a global citizen in order to shut down the shadow economy - and it is especially important that there emerge from the current secrecy havens some leaders to demonstrate that there are alternative models for growth and development.
Countries should position themselves proactively - not just complying with current minimal standards, but placing their economic development model at the cutting edge of the evolution of those standards. Each country must seriously consider whether it wants to be engaged in a never-ending struggle to catch up to the evolving international standards, or serve as a model, setting standards that others will eventually be forced to emulate." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Berdiev, Aziz N., Cullen Pasquesi-Hill & James W. Saunoris (2015): Exploring the dynamics of the shadow economy across US states. In: Applied Economics, Jg. 47, H. 56, S. 6136-6147. DOI:10.1080/00036846.2015.1064081

Abstract

"This article examines the dynamics of the shadow economy using data for 50 US states over the period 1998 - 2008. Using a panel VAR model, we analyse the impulse response of the shadow economy to an orthogonal shock in capital tax rates, educational attainment, union participation and gross state product. We find evidence of significant dynamics underlying the relationship between the shadow economy and its determinants. The results remain robust to alternate measures of the determinants of the shadow economy, alternate causal ordering of the variables in the system and conditioning on the level of income in each state." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Bloch, Alice, Leena Kumarappan & Sonia Mckay (2015): Employer sanctions. The impact of workplace raids and fines on undocumented migrants and ethnic enclave employers. In: Critical social policy, Jg. 35, H. 1, S. 132-151. DOI:10.1177/0261018314545600

Abstract

"The context of this article is the use of employer sanctions, in the form of raids and fines on businesses found to be employing people who do not have permission to work in the UK, as a method of in-border immigration control. Drawing on qualitative interviews with undocumented migrants and ethnic enclave employers in London, this article examines the impact of sanctions from the perspectives of those who have been or are most likely to be affected. More specifically the article sheds light on individual experiences of and strategies against immigration enforcement raids, and the effect of raids on the labour market, conditions of work and more widely, on local community relations. The paper concludes that there is a disjuncture between the real impact of sanctions and at least some of the stated policy aims." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Bosch, Mariano & Julen Esteban-Pretel (2015): The labor market effects of introducing unemployment benefits in an economy with high informality. In: European Economic Review, Jg. 75, H. April, S. 1-17. DOI:10.1016/j.euroecorev.2014.10.010

Abstract

"Unemployment benefit systems are nonexistent in many developing economies. Introducing such systems poses many challenges which are partly due to the high level of informality in the labor markets of these economies. This paper studies the consequences on the labor market of implementing an unemployment benefit system in economies with large informal sectors and high flows of workers between formality and informality. We build a search and matching model with endogenous destruction, on-the-jobsearch, and intersectoral flows, where agents in the economy decide optimally whether or not to formalize jobs. We calibrate the model for Mexico, and show that the introduction of an unemployment benefit system, where workers contribute when employed in the formal market and collect benefits when they lose their jobs, even if they obtain informal jobs, can lead to an increase in formality in the economy, while also producing small increases in unemployment. The exact impact of incorporating such benefits depends on the relative strength of two opposing effects: the generosity of the benefits and the level of the contributions that finance those benefits. We also show important policy complementarities with other interventions in the labor market. In particular, combining the unemployment benefit program with policies that reduce the cost of formality, such as lower employment taxes and firing costs, can produce greater decreases in informality and lower impacts on unemployment than when the program is applied in isolation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Camacho, Carmen, Fabio Mariani & Luca Pensieroso (2015): Illegal immigration and the shadow economy. (IZA discussion paper 9545), Bonn, 31 S.

Abstract

"We build a general equilibrium model in which both illegal immigration and the size of the informal sector are endogenously determined. In this framework, we show that indirect policy measures such as tax reduction and detection of informal activities can be used as substitutes for border enforcement, in order to contrast illegal immigration. We also find that a welfare-maximising Government that includes illegal immigration in its objective function, instead of focusing on the well-being of native workers only, will set the tax rate to a lower value." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Herwartz, Helmut, Egle Tafenau & Friedrich Schneider (2015): One share fits all? Regional variations in the extent of the shadow economy in Europe. In: Regional studies, Jg. 49, H. 4, S. 1575-1587. DOI:10.1080/00343404.2013.848034

Abstract

"Mit Hilfe des MIMIC-Ansatzes (multiple indicators multiple causes) und unter Berücksichtigung von räumlichen Effekten wird die Schattenwirtschaft der europäischen Regionen für die Jahre 2007 und 2008 geschätzt. Die kleinsten regionalen Schattenwirtschaftssektoren sind in Regionen von Holland und Dänemark zu finden. Die größten Sektoren findet man in Regionen von Griechenland, Polen, Portugal und Rumänien. In einigen Ländern gibt es bemerkenswerte Unterschiede in der Größe der regionalen Schattenwirtschaft, sodass die Durchschnittswerte für diese Länder verzerrt sind. Darüber hinaus verändern sich die Strukturhilfen von Seiten der EU für einige Regionen, falls die Schattenwirtschaft beim Ausweis ihres offiziellen BIP vollständig berücksichtigt werden würde." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Schneider, Friedrich (2015): Schwarzarbeit, Steuerhinterziehung und Korruption. Was ökonomische und nicht-ökonomische Faktoren zur Erklärung beitragen. In: Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Jg. 16, H. 4, S. 412-425. DOI:10.1515/pwp-2015-0026

Abstract

"In seiner Thünen-Vorlesung vor dem Verein für Socialpolitik gibt Friedrich Schneider einen Überblick über die theoretische Modellierung und empirische Evidenz zu wesentlichen Determinanten von Schwarzarbeit und Korruption. Als klassische Treiber der Schwarzarbeit benennt er überhöhte Steuern und Sozialversicherungsbeiträge, eine zu intensive Regulierung, ein mangelndes Angebot an staatlichen Gütern und Dienstleistungen, eine schwache Steuermoral, geringe Rechtssicherheit und schlechte öffentliche Institutionen - sowie die teilweise von denselben Missständen verursachte Korruption. Zunächst stellt Schneider Messverfahren, Modellierung und empirische Ergebnisse vor, in denen die Stärke des Einflusses der einzelnen Treiber aus der Makroperspektive sichtbar wird. Anschließend eruiert er aus der Mikroperspektive die ökonomischen und nicht-ökonomischen Bestimmungsgründe der Steuermoral, von der Höhe der Strafen bis hin zur Religiosität. Um Schwarzarbeit und Korruption einzudämmen, muss der Staat vor allem sein eigenes Angebot verbessern." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Schneider, Friedrich (2015): Schattenwirtschaft und Schattenarbeitsmarkt. Die Entwicklungen der vergangenen 20 Jahre. In: Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Jg. 16, H. 1, S. 3-25. DOI:10.1515/pwp-2015-0002

Abstract

"In diesem Übersichtsaufsatz präsentiert der Autor die verschiedenen Methoden zur Schätzung der Größe der Schattenwirtschaft und geht auf ihre Stärken und Schwächen ein. Dabei werden zunächst die Definition der Schattenwirtschaft und die Ursachen für das Entstehen derselben erörtert, worauf ein Überblick über die Ergebnisse der verschiedenen Schätzverfahren für Deutschland folgt. Sodann wird gezeigt, dass es keine ideale Methode zur Schätzung der Größe und der Entwicklung der Schattenwirtschaft gibt, wobei wegen der Flexibilität in der Anwendung mittlerweile der MIMIC-Schätzansatz am meisten für Makroschätzungen verwendet wird. Schließlich werden auch einige globale Schätzungen über die Größe der Schattenwirtschaft und des Schattenarbeitsmarktes vorgestellt und kritisch hinterfragt." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Tumen, Semih (2015): Skill acquisition in the informal economy and schooling decisions. Evidence from emerging economies. In: Labour, Jg. 29, H. 3, S. 270-290. DOI:10.1111/labr.12059

Abstract

"Informal jobs offer skill acquisition opportunities that may facilitate a future switch to formal employment for young workers. In this sense, informal training on the job may be a viable alternative to formal schooling in an economy with a large and diverse informal sector. In this paper, I investigate if these considerations are relevant for the schooling decisions of young individuals using panel data for 17 Latin American countries and micro-level data for Turkey. Specifically, I ask if the prevalence of informal jobs distorts schooling attainment. I concentrate on three measures of schooling outcomes: (1) secondary education enrollment rate; (2) out-of-school rate for lower secondary school; and (3) tertiary education graduation rate. I find that the secondary education enrollment rate is negatively correlated with the size of the informal economy, whereas the out-of-school rate is positively correlated. Moreover, the tertiary education graduation rates tend to fall as the informal employment opportunities increase. This means that informal training on the job may be crowding out school education in developing countries. Policies that can potentially affect the size of the informal sector should take into consideration these second-round effects on aggregate schooling outcomes." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Welter, Friederike, David Smallbone & Anna Pobol (2015): Entrepreneurial activity in the informal economy. A missing piece of the entrepreneurship Jigsaw puzzle. In: Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, Jg. 27, H. 5/6, S. 292-306. DOI:10.1080/08985626.2015.1041259

Abstract

"This paper takes stock of the current debate around the informal sector and informal entrepreneurship. Informal entrepreneurship represents a worldwide characteristic of entrepreneurial activity, the main distinguishing feature of which is that it is operating outside the law. Since what is legal can vary considerably between countries, studies of entrepreneurship which exclude informal activity must be considered partial. Moreover, it can be argued that the distinction between formal and informal is not black and white but rather shades of grey. Although informal economic activity is often more prominent in developing countries and transition economies, it is by no means confined to them. There are parts of the UK, for example, where local economies are dependent upon informal employment and for many goods and services. More generally, much of the home-based economic activities, such as cleaning, painting and decorating and other services, are typically provided, at least partially, in the informal sector. As a consequence, it is difficult to argue against including informal activity as part of the study of entrepreneurship, and particularly where the entrepreneurial potential of an economy is being assessed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Williams, Colin C. (2015): Out of the shadows: classifying economies by the extent and nature of employment in the informal economy. In: International Labour Review, Jg. 154, H. 3, S. 331-351. DOI:10.1111/j.1564-913X.2015.00245.x

Abstract

"Given the prevalence of informality, this article proposes a typology for classifying countries by the extent and nature of employment in the informal economy, rather than by the composition of their formal economies. The author analyses ILO data on employment in the informal economy in 36 developing countries, and shows that there is a significant correlation between cross-national variations in the degree and intensity of informalization and cross-national variations in social and economic indicators such as levels of GNP per capita, corruption, poverty, taxation and social contributions. The article concludes by discussing implications for theory and policy." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Williams, Colin C. (2015): Explaining cross-national variations in the informalisation of employment. In: European Societies, Jg. 17, H. 4, S. 492-512. DOI:10.1080/14616696.2015.1051073

Abstract

"The aim of this paper is to better understand cross-national variations in the informalisation of employment by evaluating critically three contrasting explanations which variously represent informal employment as more prevalent in: poorer under-developed economies (modernisation thesis); societies with high taxes, corruption and state interference in the free market (neo-liberal thesis) and societies with inadequate levels of state intervention to protect workers (political economy thesis). To evaluate these rival explanations, the relationship between the variable informalisation of employment in 10 Central and East European countries, measured using data from a 2007 Eurobarometer cross-national survey involving 5769 face-to-face interviews, and their broader work and welfare regimes are analysed. The finding is that wealthier, less corrupt and more equal societies and those possessing higher levels of taxation, social protection and effective redistribution via social transfers are significantly more likely to have lower levels of informalisation. No evidence is thus found to support the neo-liberal tenets that the informalisation of employment results from high taxes and too much state interference in the free market but evidence is found to positively confirm the modernisation and political economy theses as explanations for the cross-national variations in the informalisation of employment. The paper concludes by discussing the tentative theoretical and policy implications of these findings and calling for further evaluation of their wider validity both longitudinally and across other global regions." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Acosta-González, Eduardo, Fernando Fernández-Rodríguez & Simón Sosvilla-Rivero (2014): An empirical examination of the determinants of the shadow economy. In: Applied Economics Letters, Jg. 21, H. 5, S. 304-307. DOI:10.1080/13504851.2013.856993

Abstract

"Using a statistical methodology guided only by data and based on a genetic algorithm, we select the best econometric model for explaining the determinants of the size of the shadow economy, its main determinants being: taxes on capital gains of individuals, corporate taxes on income, profits and capital gains, domestic credit, bank secrecy, ethnic fractionalization, urban population, globalization, corruption and the socialist legal origin of country." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Broughton, Andrea (2014): Undeclared work in the EU. Dublin, 14 S.

Abstract

"This survey data report examines the main findings on the supply side of undeclared work around the EU based on a Special Eurobarometer survey carried out in 2013. The report examines the survey methodology, the concept of undeclared work, the characteristics of those supplying goods and services on an undeclared basis, the types of work activities that are undeclared, and income levels from undeclared work, including the extent of the practice of offering cash in hand." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Doerrenberg, Philipp & Denvil Duncan (2014): Experimental evidence on the relationship between tax evasion opportunities and labor supply. In: European Economic Review, Jg. 68, H. May, S. 48-70. DOI:10.1016/j.euroecorev.2014.02.005

Abstract

"Motivated by the observation that access to evasion opportunities is distributed heterogeneously across the labor market, this paper examines the extent to which labor supply elasticities with respect to tax rates depend on such evasion opportunities. We first discuss the channels through which access to evasion affects labor supply responses and then set up a laboratory experiment (N=205) in which all participants undertake a real-effort task over several rounds. Subjects face a tax rate that varies across rounds and are required to pay taxes on earned income. The treatment group is given the opportunity to underreport income, while the control group is not. We find evidence that participants in the treatment group respond differently to changes in the net-of-tax rate than participants in the control group. The effect is more prevalent when tax rates fall. Additionally, the direction of the treatment effect is dependent on the evolution of tax rates across rounds." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Schneider, Friedrich (2014): Outside the state: The shadow economy and shadow economy labor force. (CESifo working paper 4829), München, 28 S.

Abstract

"In this paper the main focus lies on the shadow economy and on work in the shadow. The most influential factors on the shadow economy are tax policies and state regulation. The size of the shadow economy was decreasing over 1999 to 2007 from 34.0% to 31.2% for 161 countries (unweighted average). Furthermore, economic opportunities, taxes and regulations, the general situation on the labor market, and unemployment are crucial for an under-standing of the dynamics of the shadow labor force. Opposite to the decrease of the shadow economy (value added figures), the shadow economy labor force increased for most countries over the period 1999 to 2007." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Schneider, Friedrich (2014): The shadow economy and shadow labor force. A survey of recent developments. (IZA discussion paper 8278), Bonn, 66 S.

Abstract

"This survey presents the various methods to estimate the size of the shadow economy, their strengths and weaknesses and the estimation results. The purpose of the survey is threefold. Firstly, it demonstrates that no ideal method to estimate the size and development of the shadow economy exists. Because of its flexibility, the MIMIC method used to get macroestimates of the size of the shadow economy is discussed in greater detail. Secondly, the paper focuses on the definition and causal factors of the shadow economy as well as on a comparison of the size of the shadow economy using different estimation methods. Thirdly, estimations of the size of the shadow economy and shadow labor force are presented and discussed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Williams, Colin C. (2014): Out of the shadows: a classification of economies by the size and character of their informal sector. In: Work, employment and society, Jg. 28, H. 5, S. 735-753. DOI:10.1177/0950017013501951

Abstract

"Given that 60 per cent of the global workforce is in the informal sector, this article develops a typology that classifies economies according to, firstly, where different countries sit on a continuum of informalization and, secondly, the character of their informal sectors. This is then applied to the economies of the 27 member states of European Union (EU-27). Finding a clear divide from east to west and south to north in the EU-27, with the more informalized and wage-based informal economies on the eastern/southern side and the less informalized and more own-account informal economies on the western/Nordic side, it is then revealed that formalization and more own-account informal sectors are significantly correlated with wealthier and more equal (as measured by the gini-coefficient) countries in which there is greater labour market intervention, higher levels of social protection and more effective redistribution via social transfers. The article concludes by discussing the implications for theory and practice." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Williams, Colin C. & Sara Nadin (2014): Evaluating the participation of the unemployed in undeclared work. Evidence from a 27-nation European survey. In: European Societies, Jg. 16, H. 1, S. 68-89. DOI:10.1080/14616696.2012.677051

Abstract

"This paper evaluates critically the major competing perspectives regarding the participation of the unemployed in undeclared work. These are firstly, the 'marginalisation' perspective which holds that the unemployed disproportionately participate in and gain from undeclared work, and secondly, the 'reinforcement' perspective which holds that the unemployed benefit less from undeclared work than those in declared employment, meaning that undeclared work reinforces, rather than reduces, the inequalities produced by the declared realm. Reporting the results of a 2007 Eurobarometer survey on undeclared work comprising 26,659 face-to-face interviews conducted in the 27 member states of the European Union, the finding is that the marginalisation perspective is applicable to Southern Europe and the reinforcement perspective to Nordic nations. However, in East-Central Europe and Western European nations, as well as the EU-27 as a whole, the marginalisation and reinforcement perspectives are not mutually exclusive but co-exist; the unemployed are more likely to participate in undeclared work but receive significantly lower earnings and gain less from undeclared work than those working undeclared who are in declared jobs. The outcome is a call for a new 'reinforced marginalisation' perspective which holds that the unemployed disproportionately engage in undeclared work but their participation reinforces their marginalised position relative to the employed. The paper then seeks tentative explanations for these findings." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Bosh, Mariano & Lídia Farré (2013): Immigration and the informal labor market. (IZA discussion paper 7843), Bonn, 25 S.

Abstract

"This paper investigates the relationship between immigration and the size of the informal or underground economy. Using regional variation for the Spanish provinces we find that the massive immigration wave between 2000 and 2009 is highly correlated to the share of unregistered employment, a proxy for the size of the underground or informal labor market. We estimate that a 10 percentage points increase in the share of immigrants in a region generates between a 3 and 8 percentage points increase in unregistered employment. We also find that the controversial regularization of illegal aliens conducted in 2005 substantially reduced the number of illegal workers but did not affect the relationship between immigration and informality." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Buehn, Andreas & Mohammad Reza Farzanegan (2013): Impact of education on the shadow economy. Institutions matter. In: Economics Bulletin, Jg. 33, H. 3, S. 2052-2063.

Abstract

"Using panel data for more than 80 countries from 1999-2007 this paper studies the marginal effect of education on the shadow economy, particularly considering the quality of institutions. The results show that higher levels of education fuel the shadow economy in an environment of weak political institutions." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Elgin, Ceyhun (2013): Internet usage and the shadow economy. Evidence from panel data. In: Economic Systems, Jg. 37, H. 1, S. 111-121. DOI:10.1016/j.ecosys.2012.08.005

Abstract

"The enormous spread of the internet in the last 20 years has been having various economic consequences. In this paper I ask whether the spread of the internet aided or abetted the shadow economy. To this end, using a panel data of 152 countries over 9 years from 1999 to 2007, I examine the empirical relationship between the degree of internet usage and the size of the shadow economy. Panel and cross-section estimation results indicate that the association between internet usage and shadow economy size strongly interacts with GDP per-capita. I also suggest and then empirically test an economic mechanism to account for this observation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Haigner, Stefan D., Stefan Jenewein, Friedrich Schneider & Florian Wakolbinger (2013): Driving forces of informal labour supply and demand in Germany. In: International Labour Review, Jg. 152, H. 3/4, S. 507-524. DOI:10.1111/j.1564-913X.2013.00191.x

Abstract

"The authors empirically investigate people's reasons for supplying or using informal labour, on the basis of data obtained from a 2010 survey of German residents. Building on existing research, they find that being unemployed, or having been unemployed in the past, significantly increases the probability of supplying informal labour. In addition, dissatisfaction with one's relative standing in society, and annoyance at government inefficiency, both have a significant positive effect on male informal labour supply. Informal labour demand, however, is not affected by these factors." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kirchner, Antje, Ivar Krumpal, Mark Trappmann & Hagen von Hermanni (2013): Messung und Erklärung von Schwarzarbeit in Deutschland. Eine empirische Befragungsstudie unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Problems der sozialen Erwünschtheit. In: Zeitschrift für Soziologie, Jg. 42, H. 4, S. 291-314., 2013-05-11. DOI:10.1515/zfsoz-2013-0403

Abstract

"Der Beitrag geht der Frage nach, wie das Ausmaß von Schwarzarbeit in Deutschland im Rahmen von Befragungen der allgemeinen Bevölkerung möglichst valide geschätzt werden kann. In einem experimentellen Design wird die konventionelle direkte Befragungstechnik mit zwei Spezialtechniken, der Randomized-Response-Technik (RRT) und der Item-Count-Technik (ICT), verglichen. Die RRT und die ICT wurden für die Messung besonders heikler Verhaltensweisen entwickelt und sollen durch eine Erhöhung der Anonymität in der Interviewsituation sozial erwünschtes Antwortverhalten reduzieren. Unsere Befunde zeigen, dass die häufig angenommene Wirkung der beiden Spezialtechniken auf die Bereitschaft der Befragten, sozial unerwünschtes Verhalten zu berichten, nicht eindeutig ausfällt. Zudem werden theoretisch bedeutsame Einflussfaktoren von Schwarzarbeit diskutiert und deren Wirkung im Rahmen von multiplen Regressionsanalysen empirisch überprüft. Neben Gelegenheitsstrukturen sind vor allem soziale Normen gute Prädiktoren für die individuelle Entscheidung schwarzzuarbeiten." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Schneider, Friedrich (2013): Der Einfluss eines abgeschwächten Wirtschaftsaufschwunges auf die Schattenwirtschaft in Deutschland und anderen OECD-Staaten in 2013. Ein (erneuter) Rückgang. Linz, 20 S.

Abstract

"Im Jahr 2009 hatte die Weltfinanzkrise auch die 'Realwirtschaft' in Deutschland und viele andere OECD-Länder erfasst, sowie einen Anstieg der Schattenwirtschaft in Deutschland und in den meisten OECD-Ländern verursacht. Allerdings haben viele OECD-Länder bereits in 2010 oder in 2011 die Wirtschaftskrise überwunden und das in den meisten Ländern beträchtliche Wachstum der offiziellen Wirtschaft führte wieder zu einem Rückgang der Schattenwirtschaft. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden das Ausmaß und die zeitliche Entwicklung der Schattenwirtschaft in Deutschland wieder diskutiert, da viele weniger Anreiz haben, schwarz zu arbeiten, wenn in der offiziellen Wirtschaft auch zusätzlichen Einnahmen erzielt werden können. Zusätzlich werden von Seiten der Politik wiederum Maßnahmen (Senkung der Rentenbeitragssätze, Erhöhung der Verdienstgrenze bei den Mini-Jobs, etc.) ergriffen, die schattenwirtschaftlichen Aktivitäten weniger attraktiv machen. Der Beitrag informiert über die Entwicklung der Schattenwirtschaft in Deutschland und in weiteren 20 OECD-Ländern seit 1990 und liefert erste Berechnungen über die Schattenwirtschaft von 21 OECD Ländern für das Jahr 2013." (Textauszug, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Schneider, Friedrich (2013): Size and development of the shadow economy of 31 European and 5 other OECD countries from 2003 to 2013. A further decline. Linz, 7 S.

Abstract

Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Größe und Entwicklung der Schattenwirtschaft in allen 27 EU-Mitgliedsstaaten sowie in Kroatien, der Türkei, in Norwegen und der Schweiz im Vergleich zu folgenden fünf OECD-Staaten: Australien, Kanada, Japan, Neuseeland und USA. Im Ergebnis werden vier unterschiedliche Entwicklungen festgestellt: 1. weiterer Rückgang der Schattenwirtschaft in allen Ländern durch die Erholung der offiziellen Wirtschaft; 2. größerer Anteil der Schattenwirtschaft in Osteuropa als in Westeuropa; 3. größerer Anteil der Schattenwirtschaft in Südeuropa im Vergleich zu Nord- und Mitteleuropa; 4. geringerer Anteil der Schattenwirtschaft in den fünf nichteuropäischen OECD-Staaten (8,3 Prozent des Bruttoinlandsprodukts 2013). (IAB)